WHY INDIAN MARRIED WOMEN WEAR TOE RINGS??

Toe ring is called Bichiya in Hindi, Mettelu in Telugu, Metti in Tamil and Kalungura in Kannada.  It is worn as a symbol of married state by Hindu women and Tradition of wearing toe rings carries tremendous social significance for married women in India.

In Vedic times, Sanskrit texts set out the concept of "Sola Singaar" or the sixteen traditional accoutrement's with which women could adorn themselves. Toe rings are included in these sixteen accoutrement's along with bindi, necklaces, ear rings, flowers in the hair, bangles, rings, armlets on the upper arm, waistbands, anklets for the feet, kohl, henna, perfume, sandalwood paste, the upper garment and the lower garment.  

Both Hindu's and also some Muslim Women wear these Toe rings, as a symbol of Married state.They are usually made of silver and worn in pairs on the second toe of both feet.
 
 

In great Indian epic  'Ramayana' toe ring plays a vital role. When Sita was abducted by Ravana, on the way, she threw her toe ring (kaniazhi) as the identification for lord Rama. This shows that toe ring is used from ancient time.

Most Indian women who are married wear a toe-ring. It’s not only a sign that the woman is married, it’s also science. Indian Vedas  say that by wearing this in both feet, it is believed, that their Menstrual cycle course is regularized with even intervals. This gives good scope for conceiving to married women. Also it is said just because that particular nerve in the second finger from toe, also connects the uterus and passes through heart. If you notice, the toe ring will always be on the second toe of the right leg and also the left leg. It will control the uterus and keep it healthy by producing evenly balanced blood pressure to the uterus.The reflexology texts mention about treating gynecological problems by massaging the second toe.Indians believe that your "prana" or "life force" must be in balance in order for you to stay healthy. All of the paths of your "prana" run down to your toes, so the idea that a marital symbol could double up as a reproductive enhancer is not a big stretch.As Silver being a good conductor, it also absorbs the energy from the polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body, thus refreshing whole body system.

Toe rings were introduced to the United States by Marjorie Borell who, after returning from India began manufacturing and selling them in New York in 1973. Her first retail outlet was Fiorucci, a trendy fashion retailer located on 59th Street in New York.

Reason for using  Silver instead of gold

Toe rings may not be made of gold, as gold holds a 'respected' status and may not be worn below the waist. Indians especially Hindus believe that gold is the metal of the Goddess Lakshmi Devi, The Goddess of Wealth, and therefore they considers it inappropriate to wear gold below the waist.